by Moody AdamsROME: “The Italian government has quietly passed scores of laws that benefit the Catholic Church over the years, but it is rare for it to announce it intends to strip the church of privileges,” writes Rachel Donadio.

“The government has taken that step, telling the European Commission that it intends to change Italian law to ensure the church pays property tax on the parts of its buildings used for commercial ends.

“The church has vast property holdings in Italy, and the move is designed to make sure convents that offer bed and breakfast, or church buildings that rent space to shops, pay their full share of taxes.”

Government could gain up to $2.8 billion a year from this ruling. We should expect all countries in financial trouble to follow this practice.